Which is better on floor tiles or porcelain tiles. Comparison of the characteristics of porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles. Which is better to choose

Experts in the field of interior decoration and repair of premises agree that the choice of material for flooring is a very responsible matter and should be approached with extreme thought. After all, it is the floor covering that is subjected to the maximum load and is least of all insured against unpleasant surprises, such as sharp heels, spilled cups of coffee, falling heavy objects, etc. One of the best floor finishes is ceramic tile and granite. Which one do you prefer? Before answering this question, you need to understand the features of these two materials, the nuances of their use and find out how tiles differ from porcelain.

What is this article about

Ceramic tile

This is one of the oldest building materials, which is obtained by mixing different types of clays, mineral additives, inorganic compounds. Ceramic tiles are found in graves dating back to the Stone Age. Why has ceramics remained at the peak of polarity for thousands of years and “doesn’t go out of fashion”? The reason lies in its many advantages:

1. Strength. Despite the relatively small thickness, ceramics is a very durable material and is able to withstand a load several times greater than a concrete screed. It is worth noting that only those ceramic tiles that were laid in compliance with all technological norms and requirements have similar properties.
2. Rigidity. The tile cannot be bent. It is able to maintain its shape even under very serious loads. The stiffness parameter of the product increases in proportion to its thickness.
3. Color fastness. Ceramic tile flooring is able to maintain its original color, even with very long-term use.
4. Fire resistance. Ceramics are absolutely non-combustible. It not only does not burn, but also significantly prevents the spread of fire and does not emit any harmful fumes.
5. Environmental friendliness. The material is made from natural raw materials. Therefore, its environmental friendliness and absolute safety for humans cannot be in doubt.
6. Hygiene The tile is not whimsical to care for and has a high chemical resistance. It can be washed using any household cleaners. Any contamination is removed from its surface elementarily. Exemplary hygienic properties allow the use of this material in rooms with the most stringent sanitary requirements. High-quality ceramics is also good because it has no pores. This means that harmful microorganisms will not have the opportunity for reproduction.
7. Decorative appeal. Ceramic tiles are presented on the market with a truly limitless assortment of species that can strike your imagination with an abundance of colors, patterns and textures. This makes it possible to choose a harmonious option for any style and color scheme of the interior.

This is an impressive list of the advantages of ceramic tiles - better proof that it deservedly owns the laurels of the best material for flooring. As for the shortcomings, according to the manufacturers of ceramic tiles, they simply do not exist. But in fairness, it is worth noting one thing: in rooms with intense pedestrian traffic, the pattern on the tiles can be erased over time and under the impact of mechanical impact the tiles can crack and crack.

Porcelain Tiles

This is a new generation of material. It was developed in Italy relatively recently - just over 30 years ago. In its composition, porcelain stoneware is practically no different from tiles. But the manufacturing techniques of these two materials are different. The main difference is that in the manufacture of porcelain stoneware, coloring pigments are added directly to the raw mix, which allows you to get a tile painted over the entire thickness. Whereas, ceramics has a coloring only on the surface in the form of a decorative enamel layer.

Due to this feature, it is very easy to distinguish porcelain from ceramic tiles. Just look at the side cut. The first one will have a uniform color and texture, the second one will have only the outer surface painted.

It is the uniformity of color over the entire thickness and exemplary strength that leads to exceptional wear resistance flooring   from porcelain tile and its main advantages. In addition, the following advantages of this finishing material can be noted:

• model hardness;
• almost zero hygroscopicity;
• truly phenomenal durability;
• absolute environmental safety;
• excellent frost resistance.

The disadvantages of the material include:

• impressive weight, which can complicate the process of transportation and installation;
• difficulty in processing - porcelain stoneware is more difficult to cut and process than ceramic tiles;
• more expensive price;
• a relatively small assortment of species, patterns and colors.

Which of the two materials to choose?

And so, porcelain tiles or floor tiles, which is better? The key to choosing between these materials is the operating conditions of the future flooring. For flooring of unheated rooms and open loggias and terraces, the best solution is porcelain. The tile is less resistant to temperature contrasts and the effects of adverse climatic factors. For the kitchen and bathroom, a beautiful tile is well suited, which is able to give the interior of these rooms a special charm. For rooms with high pedestrian traffic, the best option would be wear-resistant and durable porcelain stoneware.

Experts do not recommend using glossy tiles as flooring for passers-by and bathtubs. In the first case, their mirror surface may be scratched by sand brought with shoes from the street and the floor will quickly lose its luxurious luster. In the second - a slippery glossy surface can cause falls and injuries.

Tile was and remains the most reliable and resistant coating for walls and floors. It is he who is most often preferred when finishing surfaces in rooms with high humidity indicators and with high traffic. And the tile is not afraid of pollution, because it is easy to clean. Therefore, you can safely use it for kitchen apron, porch, public restroom. In short, the choice in favor of tiles in such cases is obvious. The only question is which tile to choose?

Previously, we knew only one option - ceramic tiles. And now you have to choose between ceramics and porcelain. And here a dilemma arises. Let's figure it out together which is better: porcelain tiles or ceramic tiles.

How is tile made?

Both traditional ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles are formed by one method - pressing. Because of this, porcelain stoneware is sometimes called a “pressed stone”, although this is just a metaphor that does not reflect reality at all.

Ceramic tiles are made from a mixture of clay, sand and minerals. The mixture is pressed, fired. Then it is covered with enamel, followed by a second firing. Such ceramic tile is intended only for wall cladding, because it is less durable and more porous than its counterparts. Enameled tiles of this type are called by experts bicottour.

A similar process for the production of tiles called " monocottura". The only difference is that a more powerful press is used to produce this tile, which makes the tile less porous. It is burned only once with enamel. The firing temperature is also higher. Such ceramic tiles are suitable for walls and floors, because it is less porous, and therefore more reliable. In addition, the enamel adheres to it better, which makes the surface of the tile resistant to abrasion, even in rooms with high traffic.

Is the manufacturing process of porcelain tile strikingly different? And what is the difference in the composition of the mixture used to produce ceramics and porcelain stoneware?

How is porcelain tile made?

Porcelain appeared in the process of improving the standard tile monocotra (single firing). Monocottura itself is quite strong and reliable, therefore, suitable for flooring. However, for rooms with very high traffic (halls and corridors of public buildings, shopping centers, airports, etc.), something even more stable was needed.

Thirty years ago, Italian tile manufacturers tested a new method of manufacture, slightly adjusting the traditional method. So they “gave birth” to porcelain stoneware, the operational characteristics of which deserved the highest ratings.

At first, the porcelain did not look decorative. It was intended exclusively for flooring in public places. However, technologies were gradually developed to improve the aesthetic qualities of the material. So this heavy-duty tile appeared in residential buildings.

How is porcelain tile made? The same mixture of clays, quartz sand and minerals is taken. The difference is that the mixture is immediately “tinted” - coloring pigments are added to it. Therefore, porcelain stoneware has a color across its entire thickness, while conventional ceramic tiles have color (enamel) only on the surface.

Porcelain tile is not enameled. The color of the tile is distributed throughout the thickness.

The mixture is diluted with water, then dried and pressed. An even more powerful press is used. After pressing, the tile is baked at a temperature of 1200-1300 degrees. Monocottur tile, by the way, is fired at about the same temperature.

Porcelain tile has an extremely low porosity:   its water absorption tends to zero (literally up to 0.05%), while the water absorption of wall tiles (bicotura) is 10%.

The first porcelain tile was unpolished and unglazed. Outwardly, it looked dull, uniform and rough, making it look like a natural stone. Hence the name of this finishing material - ceramic granite or porcelain tile.

Over time, when porcelain stoneware became in demand for decoration of residential premises, technologies were developed that allowed to diversify tile design. Porcelain tile began to be polished and glazed.

Polished Porcelain Tiles   It looks presentable, but it also costs much more than the unpolished one. Of course, polished porcelain tile is beautiful, but it is slippery, so you need to use it with caution - only where there is definitely no moisture.

Polished Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain glazing   gives the tile not shine, but a pattern, texture. A variety of patterns (like stone, wood, metal, leather, textiles, etc.) allows you to choose porcelain tiles to solve many design problems. However, it should be borne in mind that glazed porcelain tiles, although more stable than ceramic tiles, are not as tolerant of external factors as unglazed. If you need extremely reliable flooring for areas with high traffic - give preference to unglazed porcelain stoneware. The fact is that the glaze erases over time, and this spoils the appearance of the floors.

Glazed porcelain tiles under the skin

Porcelain tile or ceramic tile: what to choose?

The properties of ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles are largely similar. After all, ceramic tiles are also different. There is a more fragile one, designed only for wall decoration inside buildings. There is a wear resistant ceramic suitable for flooring. There is a frost-resistant tile - it can be used for facing surfaces outside buildings. However, porcelain stoneware is still more stable. It is also necessary to remember the level of water absorption - porcelain stoneware is not at all afraid of moisture.

Hence the conclusion:   porcelain stoneware should be selected for places with high traffic and humidity. For example, porcelain stoneware is more than ceramics, suitable for floors in halls, hallways and corridors, which are often walked on, including in shoes. If water and dirt are not removed on time, the tile will not suffer a drop. Even after many years, porcelain tiles in such rooms will retain their appearance.

If you need to trim the porch or porch - the choice in favor of porcelain stoneware is obvious.

Porcelain stoneware can also be preferred when flooring in the kitchen.

For other rooms there is no reason to choose porcelain stoneware, since traditional ceramic tiles will be no worse. At the same time it costs much cheaper. But the main thing is that tile has a more diverse design. The buyer has more opportunities to choose a beautiful tile that is ideally suited to the idea than porcelain tiles.

Sometimes it is necessary to take into account the weight of the finishing material.   For example, when you need to veneer a light partition, some kind of lightweight design, the podium of thin plywood, etc. It should be borne in mind that porcelain tiles weigh significantly more than ceramic tiles. The fact is that porcelain stoneware is not porous, but very dense. With the same size, a dense tile will weigh more than a porous one. When weight matters, choose ceramics.

Unpolished matt porcelain stoneware is generally not slippery at all - it is rough. However, this does not mean at all that for wet places you only need to choose porcelain stoneware, because the tiles are made non-slip. Here you need to look at tile anti-slip performance, regardless of what is selected - ceramic tile or porcelain tile.

The Germans developed standards for assessing "anti-slip." Many tile manufacturers evaluate the level of anti-slip of their products according to these standards.

The first norm is for deliberately wet rooms (bathrooms, showers, pools, kitchens, laundries, terraces, industrial workshops), which are walked on in shoes. There are five indicators or levels of anti-slip. For rooms in which they change clothes, R9 tile is suitable. For showers and toilets - R10. For the porch and porch it is better to take R11.

Separate standards are developed for wet rooms, which go barefoot. In the changing rooms, you can take a tile of group A. For showers and pool sides - a group B. For inclined surfaces - a group C.

Thus, if the problem is slippery floor, you need to choose not the method of manufacturing tiles ( ceramic or porcelain stoneware), and the level of anti-slip. This information is usually indicated in the accompanying papers along with other characteristics of the tile.

Jun 17, 2017 Sergei

When people needed a high-quality and attractive material for building and decorating a room, they came up with ceramic tiles. When builders needed frost-resistant and wear-resistant material, durable ceramic granite was created. In this case, the question is urgent: what is the main difference between porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles and what are the similarities between these two materials?

With the rapid pace of development of modern technologies, the process of manufacturing ceramic granite and tile is significantly improved. The kitchen, finished with beautiful and durable granite or the antique-style bathroom, decorated with patterned tiles, all this was made possible thanks to the invention of two high-quality materials. In order to understand what is the difference between porcelain stoneware from ceramic tiles, it is necessary to consider each material separately with its pros and cons, after which it will become clear which option is preferable in a particular case.

Ceramic granite

What is ceramic granite and how is it produced? Durable porcelain stoneware is obtained by pressing clay, kaolin, sand and water under a certain pressure. In this case, semi-dry pressing technology is used. Then firing is carried out under the influence of high temperature (1200 degrees). The high heating temperature allows the constituent mixture to restructure (modify).

The material is similar to a vitrified monolith, which has high-quality operational parameters when compared with a natural original. Ceramic granite is produced under the supervision of specialists, as a result of which, high-quality material that does not have cracks or voids leaves the conveyor. The surface of the artificial stone has a certain pattern, which is present inside, you can see it in a section.

Like any other material, ceramic granite has both a number of advantages and disadvantages, which are reflected in the table.

Ceramic tile

It is called a clay product, which was fired at high temperature, over 900 degrees. There are ceramic dishes, plumbing, bricks, tiles and, of course, tiles. The first, main factor - there is no material better than tile for a room decor (a variety of choices). The second reason is affordability, which for many is a very important factor when choosing one or another material.

In addition, the material is durable with mechanical wear, its surface is not erased, has frost resistance, fire resistance, resistance to aggressive substances. Therefore, ceramic tile is used as a finishing material for the bathroom, kitchen, both in a multi-storey building and in a country cottage.

The disadvantage of tile is burnout - over time, the tile loses color due to exposure to sunlight or light. This factor is very important if the tile is planned for external decoration, where it will be constantly exposed to direct sunlight.

For the manufacture of ceramic products clay with various impurities is used. Sizes range from small mosaics to large puzzles. Product thickness varies by size. Ceramic tile is fired in a muffle furnace under the influence of temperature from 900 to 1200 degrees. The temperature level depends on the thickness of the product. Specifications   ceramic tiles are directly dependent on the composition and firing.

The quality of ceramic tiles depends on temperature firing, due to which clay particles stick together, resemble strong glass. The structure of the finished product is porous. The surface is covered with glaze, decorated with different colors. Tiles are presented in various shapes and textures. The main advantage of the product is external attractiveness, it is better to choose a tile for interior decoration.

Like any other material, ceramic tile has its positive and negative sides. What are they?

Distinctive features of two materials

Of the two materials presented, ceramic is considered more ancient. She appeared many years ago, was used to finish the floor. As for ceramic granite, it appeared much later than the first material.

So, the main distinguishing features of artificial granite from tiles are as follows:

• during production: two similar materials are produced in different ways. Ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles undergo temperature pressing and firing. But in the production of porcelain stoneware, higher temperatures are used due to the use of a powerful press. Tiles are made using gentle technology;
• in the materials used: in the manufacture of ceramic tiles, a mixture of clay and sand with natural fillers is taken as the basis. A mixture of plasticine is created from the mixture, which after the firing procedure takes the form of a tile. Porcelain tile also goes through the firing procedure, but a large amount of sand, granite chips are added to the mixture. An additional filler is foreign material, for example, marble chips;
• in properties: the abrasion of ceramic tiles differs from artificial granite, in the first material it is much worse. In this case, the stone surpasses the tile. If we compare porcelain tiles and tiles with the wear resistance of natural stone, the first material becomes the leader. Porcelain tile is difficult to pierce and damage;
• in the field of application: porcelain stoneware is best used for decorating walls and floors in rooms with a high level of traffic: shopping centers, offices, sports facilities. This is due to its strength, resistance to external influences. Artificial stone is used for cladding facades of buildings, for the device of paving paths, borders. Ceramic tile is used as a finishing material when working inside a building: laying floors or walls. The main advantage of the tile is its attractive appearance - modern products are presented in a large decorative assortment, this is the main difference.

When choosing materials for floor and wall decoration, people often have difficulty: what is better suited for granite stone or tile? Choosing ceramic tile, the buyer saves money, as the material is cheaper. The choice in favor of porcelain stoneware guarantees the durability and wear resistance of the finish for many years, which means that artificial stone is better suited to quality.

Price ratio

The main indicator in the struggle for the buyer, between manufacturers, is the price of granite and tile. To date, the price of tiles, as well as the price of porcelain tiles are almost equal. For example, 2004 statistics say that porcelain tiles cost almost 90% more than tiles. After 6 years, this figure dropped to 13-15%. And many reasons contribute to this.

Many construction companies are engaged in the production of porcelain stoneware, so the cost of the product is gradually reduced. One of the most important reasons for lower prices is the popularity of finishing materials. Perhaps in 10 years, the tile will cost the same as an artificial stone.

Modern artificial stone and tile are produced using different technologies, which means that the price largely depends on the design, manufacturer, and field of application.

Despite the difference, these two materials are similar. They have good wear resistance, frost resistance, they are environmentally friendly, and also serve as decoration of any room. In this case, the price and quality of products justify themselves. Therefore, it is difficult to say which one is better, and when choosing a material it is worth focusing on the work to be done.

The tile took its name from the Greek "plinthos". Today it is widely known as tile. Externally, a tile is a piece of solid material. It can be of various types: building, facing, paving, carpentry, etc. The tile can have a picture or be without it, have a smooth or embossed surface. Today it is actively used as a decoration for walls and floors of residential buildings and industrial buildings. Ceramic tiles are most popular in the decoration of the kitchen and bathroom. It is made by pressing a mixture of clay, sand and minerals, followed by firing. After applying the enamel, the tile is re-fired. As a rule, such material is used exclusively for wall cladding in view of its low strength. Porcelain tile designed for finishing the floor is processed under a more powerful press, which significantly reduces its porosity. Next is the application of enamel and firing. Before answering the question “porcelain stoneware or tiles, which is better?”, You should consider all the advantages and disadvantages of each of the materials.

Advantages of ceramic tiles:

• Hygiene
• Aesthetics.
• Durability.
• Moisture resistance.
• Affordable cost.

The disadvantages include the ability of the tile to fade over time and partially lose the pattern.

Porcelain tile - an artificial finishing material that perfectly imitates natural stone. Two types of clays are used in its production - kaolin and montmorellonite, as well as feldspar, quartz sand and mineral pigments. Ceramic granite is obtained by pressing under high pressure, followed by firing at a temperature of + 1200-1300 ° C.

The key difference between tiles and porcelain tiles is the presence of quartz sand and coloring pigments in the composition of the artificial stone, which allows achieving uniform color throughout the thickness of the material.

The tile has a color coating - the pigment is contained in the enamel layer. Significantly increases the strength and wear resistance of artificial stone pressing under a powerful press. The result is a low-porous material, the degree of water absorption of which is on average 0.5%, while for tiles it is 10%. If necessary, polishing and glazing of porcelain tiles is carried out.

The scope of artificial stone is growing every day. Today it is widely used in facing facades of houses, interior decoration, implementation of the "warm floor" system. Artificial stone can be matte, glazed, structured, polished, etc.

• High strength.
• Wear resistance.
• Durability.
• Frost resistance.
• Environmental friendliness.
• Impact strength
• High esthetic properties.
• Low water absorption.
• The uniformity and constancy of color throughout the thickness of the material.

The disadvantages of ceramic granite include the complexity of processing and cutting, significant weight and complexity of transportation. Choosing porcelain tiles or tiles - which is better, you should know that the cost of artificial stone is higher. While tile is more affordable and has a wider range of patterns and colors.

At the same time, porcelain stoneware, due to its high frost resistance, strength and moisture resistance, can be used both inside the house and in rooms facing the street (balconies, loggias, terraces, verandas).

If we are talking about decorating the walls and the working apron of the kitchen, as well as the floor of the hallway, ceramic tiles will be quite enough here. Such a coating will provide the necessary surface protection and aesthetics, subject to cost savings.

The floor of the kitchen is best done with artificial stone. Due to its high strength, it will withstand any test, such as falling heavy objects or frequent wet cleaning, without losing its aesthetic properties.

In the bathroom, it is better to use matte tiles as flooring. If you choose the glossy option, the ingress of sand and dirt can cause scratches. In addition, the glazed surface is rather slippery, which increases the risk of injury. Special attention when choosing decoration materials   for the floor, pay attention to anti-slip properties.

In wall cladding, the weight of the material is important. If we are talking about finishing plasterboard partitions, then porcelain stoneware is not recommended here, it is better to give preference to tiles.

When weight matters, it’s best to choose ceramics.

In the decoration of rooms, where unique design and original design are important, it is worth making a choice in favor of ceramics. The range of tiles is striking in its wealth, which cannot be said about artificial stone.

When choosing a wear-resistant floor covering, the consumer oscillates between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware. Let's look at the differences between these materials, determine their advantages and highlight the disadvantages. Only then will it become clear why porcelain tile is so popular.

How is porcelain tile different from ordinary tiles?

The myth that special ingredients are used to produce porcelain tiles has long been dispelled. The composition of the material is not much different - the same kaolin, clay, quartz sand and feldspar. The only difference is in the production conditions: porcelain is fired at higher temperatures (up to 1300 degrees), higher press pressure (about 450 kilograms per centimeter) is used.

The production technology also explains the qualitative characteristics of the materials: porcelain stoneware is not just sintered, its components are literally melted, and the monstrous pressure excludes the formation of micropores, as in a tile. It is the lack of pores that explains why granite materials are more durable when used outdoors. Moisture does not get inside, does not destroy the material from the inside when freezing. Facing with ceramic granite of buildings also guarantees a long-lasting result, as well as its use for the production of steps.

The advantages of porcelain tiles for interior decoration

Most consumers are indifferent to the fact that porcelain stoneware is frost-resistant, because they choose the material for arranging an office, store, apartment or house (where there are no frosts). But floor porcelain tile has a lot of other advantages:

• Wear resistance.   Despite the intensity of the movement, the porcelain tile retains an attractive appearance for many years. It is even used to decorate some manufacturing enterprises.
• The strength of porcelain stoneware is very high.. He is able to withstand loads of several hundred kilograms per square centimeter (provided that the professional will put the granite).
• The material is not prone to chipping and cracking.what is the difference between ceramic tiles over time.
• Almost no spots are formed on the surface of the material, it is resistant to moisture (has a water absorption of less than 1%), exposure to aggressive environments. Even accidentally broken bottle with something vigorous like solvent will not leave visible traces on porcelain tile.
• Porcelain tile does not demand leaving, it is sufficient to periodically wipe it with a damp cloth to ensure cleanliness.
• The material has a huge line of colors and textures.   for the most demanding tastes that fit perfectly into the design of the room.
• The best porcelain tile has absolutely clear even edges, which allows for the implementation of cladding and laying floors to obtain minimal seams, achieving uniformity of coating.

Does porcelain tile have disadvantages?

You have to put up with the cold floor

The number of advantages of the material is quite large, but for the sake of objectivity, it is worth pointing out its disadvantages. True, they are few. Firstly, the floor of it is quite cold, and it is impossible to insulate it (although the floor of ceramic tiles has the same drawback). The only way out is to use underfloor heating.

A significant minus is the slippery surface

Secondly, the material is quite slippery if moisture gets on it. Therefore, it is undesirable to use it in the bathroom.

Porcelain tile prices “bite”

Third, the price. The material has a cost slightly higher than that of ceramic tiles. But this is a dubious drawback, which is offset by the advantages of porcelain.

There are a lot of manufacturers of popular material, on the market you can find not only Italian (according to many experts, one of the highest quality), but also porcelain tiles of Turkish, Baltic, Greek and Belarusian production, which have similar sizes and thickness. How to choose decent material that will not disappoint over time?

Ways to determine the quality for the right choice of porcelain stoneware

In Italy alone there are more than three hundred manufacturers, not all of which can boast of product quality. Porcelain stoneware should be produced strictly according to the technology, starting from preparing the mixture, staining it, keeping the temperature parameters to using a powerful press. "By eye" to determine the quality of the material is almost impossible. We suggest using the following methods:

• Buy by weight

Specify the weight of each tile (usually indicated in the catalog and on the package). A “correct” tile with a thickness of 8-8.5 mm should weigh at least 18.5 kilograms.

• Manufacturers econsonants on quality visible to the naked eye

Dimensions of technological recesses on the reverse side. These should be shallow squares with sides up to 2 centimeters. Deep large squares indicate poor material quality.

• Check color matching

Color calibration Tiles of the same series should match the color tone as much as possible. A good company provides a high-quality caliber of its products, which means that other parameters can also be counted on.

Video: the advantages of porcelain and its selection